Florida Governor Rick Scott has declared a state of emergency as Hurricane Irma strengthened near his state into a Category 4 storm.

According to the Miami Herald, a National Hurricane Center advisory described Irma as growing to 140 mph winds as it crossed the Caribbean.

With the hurricane expected to strengthen over the next two days, experts estimate Irma would be the biggest hurricane to hit South Florida since Category 5 Hurricane Andrew in 1992.

“Today, given these forecasts and the intensity of this storm, I have declared a state of emergency for every county in Florida to make certain that state, federal and local governments are able to work together and make sure resources are dispersed to local communities as we get prepared for this storm,” read Scott’s statement on the flgov.com website. “In Florida, we always prepare for the worst and hope for the best and, while the exact path of Irma is not absolutely known at this time, we cannot afford to not be prepared. This state of emergency allows our emergency management officials to act swiftly in the best interest of Floridians without the burden of bureaucracy or red tape.

About the Author

Tom Boggioni is based in the quaint seaside community of Pacific Beach in less quaint San Diego. He writes about politics, media, culture, and other annoyances. Mostly he spends his days at the beach gazing at the horizon waiting for the end of the world, or the sun to go down. Whichever comes first.